Almond tree named ‘PY1’

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a new and distinct variety of almond tree, named ‘PY1’, substantially as described and illustrated herein, that is a pollinator for existing varieties, and which produces nuts with rare doubles that are similar to existing varieties, with a crop having a fresh earthy taste, that is well suited for roasting, seasoning, oil and flavoring.

Latin name: Prunus dulcis.

Varietal denomination: ‘PY1’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of almondtree, botanically know as Prunus dulcis, which will hereby bedenominated by the cultivar name ‘PY1’, and more specifically to analmond tree that produces a crop for harvesting in late August andshipment in early September under the ecological conditions prevailingin the Stanislaus County area of the San Joaquin Valley of centralCalifornia.

‘PY1’ was discovered in 2001 as a seedling growing adjacent to anorchard of ‘Nonpareil’ (unpatented), ‘Carmel’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.2,641), and ‘Peerless’ (unpatented) almond trees close to the propertyline on the inventor's property located in Stanislaus County,California, in the San Joaquin Valley. The variety has been observed toprovide nuts that are similar to the non-patented ‘Nonpareil’ varietyand the ‘Monterey’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,483). Asexualreproduction of the tree has produced progeny that are consistent withthe original specimen as to vegetative characteristics.

ORIGIN AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

The variety was discovered by the inventor as a volunteer seedlingadjacent to an orchard of ‘Nonpareil’ (unpatented), ‘Carmel’ (U.S. PlantPat. No. 2,641), and ‘Peerless’ (unpatented) almond trees close to theproperty line on the inventor's property located in Stanislaus County,California. The original seedling was asexually reproduced in 2001 inStanislaus County, California by collecting budwood from the mother treethat was budded onto 18 trees on unpatented ‘Nemaguard’ and otherrootstocks. All of these trees have survived.

Reproduction by budding and grafting resulted in true-to-type progenywith respect to all tree vegetative and reproductive characteristics.These reproductions utilized unpatented ‘Nemaguard’ rootstock on whichthe present variety was compatible and true to the original tree in allrespects.

The presently observed reproduced specimens are now in their 20th leaf.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The present variety was selected and tested because of its unique nutproduction and has the following outstanding and distinguishingcharacteristics when grown under normal horticultural practices in theStanislaus County area of the San Joaquin Valley of central California.The harvest date of ‘PY1’ is just after that of unpatented ‘Nonpareil’.Nut yield of the new variety is on average slightly greater than that ofthe unpatented ‘Nonpareil’ variety, and nut quality is comparable to‘Monterey’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,483). The variety blooms about 2 daysearlier than unpatented ‘Nonpareil’, has an abundance of flowers alongeach fruiting branch, and stops blooming about 4 days earlier thanunpatented ‘Nonpareil’. The present variety is a good pollinator for usewith ‘Monterey’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,483) and unpatented ‘Dallas’varieties.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The branches, nuts, foliage and flowers of the new almond variety areillustrated by the accompanying color photographs. The samples depictedin the photographs are taken from trees that are in their 20th year,grown utilizing unpatented ‘Nemaguard’ rootstock, under the ecologicalconditions prevailing in the Stanislaus County area of the San JoaquinValley of central California.

FIG. 1 is a view of a tree of the present variety in bloom in February.

FIG. 2 is a view of a tree of the present variety laden with nuts inAugust.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a trunk of a tree of the new variety.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of leaves and branches of the new variety insitu.

FIG. 5 is a view of mature nuts in situ on tree branches of the newvariety just prior to harvest.

FIG. 6 is a close-up top view of foliage of the new variety.

FIG. 7 is a close-up underneath view of foliage of the new variety.

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of hulls with shells and nuts of the newvariety.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of hulls of the new variety from which shellshave been removed.

FIG. 10 is a close-up view of shells of the new variety.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of shells of the new variety that have beenopen and the kernels removed.

FIG. 12 is a close-up view of kernels of the new variety.

FIG. 13 is a close-up view of kernels of the new variety, some of whichhave been cut open.

The colors in the photographs are as true as can be reasonably obtainedby conventional photographic procedures. Due to chemical development,processing and printing, the bark, leaves, nuts and flowers depicted inthese photographs may, or may not, be accurate when compared to theactual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be madeto the color plates and descriptions provided hereinafter.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

Referring now more specifically to the pomological characteristics ofthis new and distinct variety of almond tree, the following has beenobserved under the ecological conditions prevailing in StanislausCounty, California (San Joaquin Valley). Observations were performed atthe flowering stage on Feb. 18, 2021, and just prior to the harveststage on Aug. 18, 2021.

All major color code designations are by reference to the Dictionary ofColor by Maerz & Paul, First Edition 1930. Common color names are alsoused.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely complywith the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, and does not constitute acommercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the presentvariety will in the future display the botanical or other varietalcharacteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosuremay not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, butnot limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness forany particular purpose which is directed, in whole, or in part, to thepresent variety.

-   Tree:    -   -   Origin.—The present variety was discovered as an open            pollinated seedling of unknown parentage growing adjacent to            an orchard of ‘Nonpareil’ (unpatented), ‘Carmel’ (U.S. Plant            Pat. No. 2,641), and ‘Peerless’ (unpatented) almond trees            located in Stanislaus County, California.        -   Vigor.—Considered very vigorous.        -   Hardiness.—Considered hardy under typical San Joaquin Valley            climatic conditions.        -   Chilling requirement.—Considered normal under prevailing San            Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.        -   Tree form.—Considered spreading and upright in its growth            pattern. For observed trees that were approximately 20 years            old, when grown on unpatented ‘Nemaguard’ rootstock, the            height of the trees were approximately 15 feet. Further,            these same trees had a crown spread of approximately 22            feet.        -   Productivity.—Considered very productive. For trees that are            at least 20 years old, with currently acceptable planting            densities, approximately 2200 pounds of almonds on average            are harvested per acre.        -   Regularity of bearing.—Considered regular for the species.            No significant alternate bearing has been observed.        -   Fertility.—Self-sterile. The new variety must be cross            pollinated by other almond varieties, including ‘Nonpareil’            (unpatented), ‘Bennett-Hickman’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.            26,083), and ‘Monterey’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,483).        -   Date of harvest.—Late August, approximately one week after            unpatented ‘Nonpareil’ in a normal (non-drought) year.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Considered large, approximately 49.5-65 inches in            circumference when measured at a distance of about 10 inches            above the surface of the earth on trees which are at least            20 years old.        -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough.        -   Bark color.—Medium gray (13-A-1).        -   Bark lenticels.—No lenticels visible on the trunk (rhytidome            is very developed)-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Considered large for the species, approximately 23-38            inches in circumference when measured at a distance of            approximately 12 inches above the crotch of a 20-year old            tree.        -   Surface texture.—Immature branches — Considered smooth.        -   Surface texture.—Mature branches — Considered moderately            rough. As wood becomes older, texture becomes rougher with            accumulation of lenticels and later rhytidome.        -   Bark color.—Immature branches — First year wood is palmetto            green (22-B-6).        -   Bark color.—Mature branches — Partly medium gray (13-A-1)            and partly reddish-brown (7-J-10).        -   Lenticels.—Number, Size and Shape — Approximately 40-50 per            square inch and 1 mm in length, and 0.5 mm in width. Shape            linear. Color — Gray (55-A-1).-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species, approximately 105            mm in length; and about 20 mm to about 27 mm in width.        -   Leaf shape.—Considered lanceolate.        -   Leaf arrangement.—Alternate.        -   Leaf apex.—Considered acuminate.        -   Leaf base.—Considered acute to rounded.        -   Leaf thickness.—Considered normal for species.        -   Leaf color.—Upwardly facing surfaces — Moderate yellowish            green (23-J-6)        -   Leaf color.—Downwardly facing surfaces — Deep yellow green            (23-L-7).        -   Leaf marginal form.—Finely serrated.        -   Leaf vein.—Pinnately veined. Color — Vivid yellowish green            (20-I-1).        -   Leaf petiole.—Length: about 22 mm. to about 26 mm. Leaf            Petiole Thickness — about 1 mm. Leaf Petiole Color — Vivid            yellowish green (20-I-1).        -   Leaf stipules.—Very inconspicuous and predominately absent.-   Flowers:    -   -   Flower depth.—Averages about 14 mm from the base of the            ovary to the tip of the stigma.        -   Flower diameter.—Average 26 mm.        -   Flower fragrance.—Moderate, honey-like.        -   Date of full bloom.—Approximately February 23.        -   Bloom amount.—Typically 3-6 flowers per cluster.        -   Bloom color.—Upper and lower petal surfaces are the same:            petal base is light pink (1-G-3) while the majority of the            petal is white (1-A-1).        -   Petals.—Marginal form — Considered obovate to rhomboid with            widespread apex notching.        -   Petals.—Petal Number — Generally 5. Petal length — average            about 14 mm. Petal width — average about 10 mm. Petal margin            is undulate. Petal base is acute to 90 degree angle.        -   Sepals.—Sepal Number — Generally 5. Sepal shape — deltoid.            Sepal length — average about 11.5 mm. Sepal width — average            about 5 mm. Sepal apex is tapering to an acute point. Sepal            margin is entire. Sepal upper surface color is pale            yellowish green (18-1-6). Sepal lower surface color is            strong yellow green (19-J-6) with deep reddish purple            (55-L-5) venation.        -   Pollen production.—Abundant.        -   Pollen color.—Goldenrod yellow (10-L-5).        -   Ovary shape.—Ovate.        -   Ovary color.—Pale green (18-F-5) with heavy pubescence.        -   Flower buds shape.—Considered conic.        -   Flower bud length (before petals show).—Average about 13 mm.        -   Flower bud diameter (before petals show).—Average about            6.5 mm. Flower Bud color is pinkish white (49-A-2).        -   Pistil number.—1.        -   Pistil length.—Average about 11.5 mm. Anther color is light            yellow (9-I-3).        -   Stamen number.—Average of about 30.        -   Stamen length.—Average about 7.5 mm to 12 mm.        -   Style length.—Average about 8 mm. Style color is pale            greenish yellow (12-K-1). Stigma color is olive green            (13-L-6).        -   Pedicels.—Pedicel length — average about 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm.            Pedicel diameter — average about 1.5 mm. Pedicel color is            sky green (18-I-5).-   Crop:    -   -   Bearing.—On average the nut yield of the new variety is            slightly greater than that of the unpatented ‘Nonpareil’            variety.        -   Productivity.—Considered very productive for trees that are            20 years old.        -   Hull texture.—Pubescent.        -   Hull form.—Considered ovate.        -   Hull thickness.—About 2 mm to about 3 mm.        -   Hull color.—Outer color at splitting: Strong yellow green            (18-J-6); suture color at splitting: Brilliant yellow green            (18-K-3).        -   Dehiscence.—Opens freely.        -   Splitting.—Complete along suture.-   Nut:    -   -   Nut size.—Generally — Length: Average 38 mm; Width: Average            20 mm.        -   Nut shape.—Considered ovate. Similar to ‘Nonpareil’ and            ‘Monterey’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,483).        -   Nut thickness.—Average 14 mm.        -   Shell thickness.—Average 3 mm.        -   Outer shell.—Form: Considered flaked.        -   Inner shell.—Considered brittle        -   Shell texture.—Smooth.        -   Shell type.—Semi-smooth.        -   Color.—Shell color at splitting varies from light tan            (12-F-6) to moderate tan (12-H-7).        -   Pits.—Small, scattered and numerous.        -   Wing.—Average protrusion is 2-3 mm from surface of nut            tapering at the base and apex.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Length: Average 27 mm; Width: Average 13 mm.        -   Shape.—Elongated ovate. Similar to ‘Sonora’            (unpatented)/‘Monterey’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,483).        -   Kernel thickness.—Average 8 mm at hull splitting. Stem Scar            — Moderately visible as darkened spot (not raised) Apex —            Shape: Considered cuspidate (terminating in a short, sharp            point). Surface Texture — Heavy Smooth. Slightly ribbed            along veins with slight pubescence.        -   Pubescence.—Considered slight.        -   Color.—Skin color at splitting Lt. Cocoa (13-L-9); vein            color at splitting Light olive brown (15-H-12).        -   Numbers of doubles produced.—Average is approximately one            percent (1.1%) which is considered low, and improves the            grade of the nuts.        -   Kernel flavor.—Clean profile, less sweet than ‘Carmel’ (U.S.            Plant Pat. No. 2,641). More favorable appearance and flavor            than the ‘Alm-21’ (Independence) variety (U.S. Plant Pat.            No. 20,295). Fresh, earthy aroma similar to ‘Nonpareil’            (unpatented). Good impact, good after-taste, and good            consistency.        -   Keeping quality.—Considered good.        -   Keeping and shipping quality.—Considered good for the            variety.

The present variety may be processed as a whole, sliced or diced productand is an excellent natural, salted or roasted nut.

Nuts of the ‘PY1’ variety are very well suited for roasting, seasoning,oil and flavoring, and uses that are similar to that of ‘Monterey’ (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 3,483) and unpatented ‘Nonpareil’.

The subject variety has no known resistance to or susceptibility to anyknown pests or diseases.

Although this new variety of almond tree possess the describedcharacteristics noted above as a result of the growing conditionsprevailing in the Modesto area in the San Joaquin Valley of CentralCalifornia, it is understood that variations of the usual magnitude andcharacteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,fertilization, pruning and pest control are to be expected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of almond tree, named‘PY1’, substantially as described and illustrated herein, that is a goodpollinator for ‘Monterey’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,483) and unpatented‘Dallas’ varieties, and which produces nuts with rare doubles that aresimilar to the ‘Monterey’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,483) and unpatented‘Nonpareil’ varieties in that the crop has a fresh earthy taste, and iswell suited for roasting, seasoning, oil and flavoring.